Home Improvement: How to Pick the Right Sofa

A year ago, I have made the mistake of buying what turned out to be a jerrybuilt sofa set in disguise, from an unreliable furniture maker. You see, I decided to go frugal and went for a cheap version of what I originally wanted – And so I got what I paid for. After a year of use, the foam has flattened and some of the springs have punctured the textile – and let me emphasize – it has only been A Year.

Anyhow, I’ve learned my lesson. Next time – I hope this Xmas – I will be able to save and I will surely pick a better furniture set. I will see to it that we will invest in a comfy, sturdy, and long-lasting sofa set that will be with us for years.If you’re also thinking of getting sofas for yourself, here are some tips I’d like to share with you…

Tips in Picking The Right Sofa

Always check if the frame is sturdy

Make sure that it is made of hardwood like kiln-dried oak, ash, or beech. Such may be expensive but think about the fact that soft wood will warp and wobble after three to five years – so better go for the ones that will last for ten or more. You might also want to avoid sofas with particleboard or plastic frames.

Make sure that it’s sturdily held together

Ensure that the joinery is solidly constructed. The legs must be part of the frame, or double wooden dowels, double wooden dowels, wooden corner blocks, metal screws, or metal brackets must hold them together. Do not ever buy a sofa that is solely held by held together by glue, staples, or nails.

Check the springs

To check if the springs on a sofa are sturdy enough, try to sit down firmly on one of the outside edges and then try to bounce. If you hear squeaks or creaks, then there is something wrong with the springs. If you press hardly on the sofa and you can feel the ends of the springs, avoid that piece as well. Go for sofas with eight-way hand-tied springs and avoid those with preassembled or no springs at all.

Check the ‘Insides’

Choose high-resilient foams. Avoid polyurethane foam and polyester fiber because they flatten quickly. They may not be expensive but you might end up with an uncomfortable sofa in just a year or less so better go for the more durable, plump, high-density foams that will not deteriorate so easily even with constant use.

Pick durable textile covers

Sofas have to have durable textile cover, so avoid silk and go for linen, cotton, and synthetic microfiber – just make sure they are weaved perfectly. You might also want to have the fabric treated for stain resistance. If you can spend a lot, go for leather (REAL leather) or wool.